Hydraulic classifier for ores.



PATENTED SEPT. 17, 1907.j

y 4s.'R. SWAIN. HYDRAULIC GLASSIFIBR PoR os.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 28. 19'06..

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SETI-I R. SWAIN, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

HYDRAULIC CLASSIFIER FOR CRES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented sept. 17, 1907.

Application filed November 26,1906. Serial No. 345,179.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, Snrn R. SWAIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Denver, in the county of Denver and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hydraulic Classiiiers for Ores, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in hydraulic classiliers for ores and has reference more particularly tov certain improvements in so-called sorting columns for these classiliers filed November 26, 1906, Serial No. 345,180. y

The present specification sets forth in detail the sorting column described and claimed in a general way in my accompanying application.

The object is to provide a classifier capable of universal application, within certain limits or one which is capable of adjustment to the greatest degree consistent with the best results. Therefore the length oi the sorting column is a matter of importance and upon it depends the nicety of spigot product. Its length should be enough so that the upward current will have lost any influence from eddies or counter currents and long enough so that ore particles which are desired as a spigot product will have sufcient falling space to be thoroughly influenced by the upward current, and its length would depend very much on the quantity of irregular shaped particles in the ore, as such particles require longer action for a better sorting.

This present invention contemplates the use of an upwardly'moving hydraulic current which should be absolutely uniform and under instant and certain control with its mode of introduction such that will cause the least number of eddies and counter-currents, as an evenly rising current is better than a vortex when the length of sorting column is correctly proportioned because the vortex current containsand produces the objectionable eddies and counter-currents.

The accompanying drawing is a view partly in section of my improved sorting column.

In this construction a is a flange for bolting the sorting column to a trough or other portion oi a classifier into which the ore iiows and in which the sorting column opens.

The letter b is a pipe, which with the glass tube d forms the sorting column. The letters c, e, are stuffing boxes to tighten the joints at those points. The glass part d of the sorting column is of proper diameter to slip into the pipe b.

vThe letter f is the water chamber and g is the outer tube which through the perforations t' distributes the water in the annular opening formed between itself and the inner tube h. j

The letter j indicates the discharge pipe and lc is the spigot. The weight is carried by rods p, p which screw into the flange a. while the nuts q, q on the long threads oi these rods are adjustable to vary the length of the sorting column. The main column of water is admitted through a gate valve n and a short hose m through chamber f and another supply for creating a pulsating action, when desired, through a mechanically operated gate valve o to the same chamber. This valve o may be operated in any approved manner as for instance by the eccentric 19 on the shaft 20 and the connecting rod 18 which extends from the eccentric to the stem 17 of the valve.

The water chamber f is ol' va size sufliciently large to carry full water pressure which is retained in the chamber by the walls of the tube g, The water is distributed through perforations t, t', in the inner tube. These perforations are bored around the circumference of the tube at varying intervals according to the requirements. The inner tube h is in position within the outer tube and extends at some distance above the perforations as shown in the drawing. The effect is an annular opening between the tubes, and the Water as it enters through the perforation is distributed in this annular opening and guided in an upward direction with a minimum of eddies and counter currents. By the use of the mechanical valve o held open at intervals a pulsating current may be created in addition to the regular current fiowing through the valve n.

In operation the pulp passes to a point over this sorting column through a trough (not shown). The hydraulic pressure has been regulated for the desired spigot product, the spigot k having a constant opening. The elimination oi eddies and counter-currents in the column is accomplished by the peculiar combined arrangement of water chamber, and the outer tube with periorations, and the inner tube, which properly distributes the flow of water. This causes a quiet upward current which allows properly Weighted particles to fall, While those too light are held without the tube. Perhaps the length of the tube is'not correct for the product desired. A glance at the interior of the sorting column through the glass portion quickly determines this and its length can be adjusted to suit the requirements. Should the fines be accumulating over the column to the extent that they fall into the upward current7 the glass portion oi the column will indicate it.

Upon the diameter of the sorting column depends the maximum capacity, although this capacity will be influenced by the hydraulic pressure and the size of spigot product desired, It is obvious that only a certain amount of matter can pass a certain opening and Athat the hydraulic pressure will lessen the amount according to its force. Also it is necessary that the classified products should not be crowded too closely while falling in the upward cuirent for'such would cause accumulation and the current would lose its conl portant feature of the adjustment, all of which is fullyl provided for as hereinbefore described.

It is evident that more or less slight changes might be resorted to in the form and arrangement of the several parts described Without departing `from the spirit and scope o my invention, and hence I do not Wish to limit myself to the exact construction herein set forth, butz Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:-

1. A sorting column comprising a tube, means for preventing the formation of eddies and counter-currents in said sortingl column, means for delivering a uniform current to the column and means `for delivering a pulsating current thereto.

2. A sorting column comprising a tube, said tube having a glass section therein, means for preventing the formation of eddies and counter-currents in said sorting column, means for delivering a uniform current to the column, and means for delivering a pulsating current thereto.

3. A sorting column, comprisinga tube, means for supplying a uniform current, means for supplying a pulsating current, means for cutting off either at will and' means for preventing the formation of eddies and counter-currents 4. A sorting column comprising a water chamber', an inner and outer tube therein, the outer tube extensible and having perforations therein and the inner tube extending above said perforations, means for regulating the flow of water into s aid water chamber and means for creating a pulsating current in said water chamber.

5. A sorting column comprising an inner and outer tube, the outer of which is telescopic and provided with a transparent section, saidA outer tube having perfor-ations therein, of a water chamber surrounding said perforated portion of the tube, the inner tube extending above said perforations and a spigot leading therefrom, means for regulating the flow of water into the water chamber, and means for supporting the sorting column and adjusting the length of the outer tube.

G. A sorting column comprising an inner and outer tube, the outer of which is telescopic and provided with a transparent section, said outer tube having perforations therein, of a water chamber surrounding said perforated portion of the tube, the inner tube extending above said perfor-ations and a spigot leading therefrom, means for regulating the flow of Water into the water chamber, means for adjusting the length of the outer tube and means for creating a pulsating current in the water chamber.

7. The combination with a trough, of a sorting column comprising two pipes, a glass tube having telescopic connection with the pipes, stuffing boites for forming water tight joints between the glass tube and pipes, a water chamber discharging into the column, depending rods, means extending across from one rod to the other for supporting the water chamber and column and nuts on the rods for regulating the length of the column.

S. The combination with a trough, of a sorting column, comprising a tclescoping tube, a water chamber, rods supporting these parts, said rods threaded and nuts on the rods for raising or lowering the Water chamber and lengthening and shortening the tube.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

SETH R. SWAIN.

Witnesses:

Gnonen L. HonGns, D. EDAR WILSON. 

